Canada's right-to-die bill tabled in Parliament

Dec 19 2017, 11:20 am

Canada’s right-to-die bill was tabled Thursday in Ottawa, creating stipulations on who can access doctor-assisted suicide.

The bill recommends making amendments to the criminal code to exempt medical practitioners from being charged with homicide should they help a consenting adult die.

Additionally, in order to be eligible for medically assisted death, the bill stipulates that the person requesting it must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have “a grievous and irremediable medical condition” such as an incurable disease, illness, or disability
  • Have made a voluntary request for medical assistance in dying
  • Have given informed consent

It also states that a person’s natural death must be imminent within reason when their medical circumstances are taken into account.

Lastly, medical practitioners, be it doctors or nurses, must insure the person meets all of the criteria set out.

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT